Monday, December 22, 2008

Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both. I like gift bags because they're easy to carry and the giftee can reuse them, however I like wrapping paper for gifts underneath the tree. This year I made it a point to involve Missy in wrapping gifts, so we used more wrapping paper and didn't "bundle" gifts to the same person (so that Missy can wrap more presents).

Real tree or Artificial? We have an artificial tree for practical purposes, although I love the smell of real trees.

When do you put up the tree? Sometime within a week or two after Thanksgiving. Missy enjoys the entire process of putting it up. It's too bad the newer "umbrella" style trees are a cinch to put up, it does not take long at all. I sometimes think it would be more fun to have one of those older trees where you have to take your time inserting all the individual branches. Missy loves putting the ornaments on the tree. Unfortunately she wants to put them all "down low" (basically her height), and then we have to redistribute them later. We've started a tradition where Missy gets to shop for her one special new ornament each year; somehow she ended up with 3 this year! lol.

When do you take the tree down? Whenever we find the time after the New Year.

Do you like eggnog? Yes, eggnog is good stuff!

Favorite gift received as a child? I can't think on any one particular favorite.

Hardest person to buy for? My mom.

Easiest person to buy for? Missy ... get anything Elmo, Dora the Explorer, or Legos and she will be a happy camper.

Do you have a nativity scene? No.

Mail or email Christmas cards? Neither. It's one of those things I haven't gotten around to, especially since Missy was born. There used to be a time, in a previous lifetime, when I would mail cards to everyone (Christmas, Birthdays, Valentines).

Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A rubber mallot. A coworker gave these to everyone he worked with. I still haven't used mine.

Favorite Christmas Movie?

When do you start shopping for Christmas? I'm a procrastinator and it would be amazing if I got started before December. As for knitting gifts, I'm working on a 2 to 3 year plan where I knit stuff for future Christmas gifts; this is the only way I can make the deadline. ;-)

Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I probably have if it is something I would never user and if I knew someone else who would love it.

Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? I like the Christmasy drinks at the coffee places (eggnog lattes, etc).

Lights on the tree? Is there such a thing as no lights on the tree? This is the highlight of Missy's evenings, seeing the lights on our tree.

Favorite Christmas song? We've been singing the usual ones with Missy this year. Jingle Bells. Frosty the Snowman. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. 12 Days of Christmas.

Travel at Christmas or stay home? Staying home. Most people living in SFBA are from somewhere else, so it's usually nice and quiet here during holidays.

Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? Uh... Rudolph, and some others.

Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Definitely waiting for Christmas morning. Missy gets up way earlier than we do, I hope she doesn't wake us up at 5am.

Most annoying thing about this time of the year? All that in-your-face commercialism. It seems to start earlier and earlier each year.

Favorite ornament theme or color? I can't say I have a favorite, although I tend to go for silver more than gold.

What do you want for Christmas this year? Some quiet "me" time. Side effect of having cling wrap a toddler who talks nonstop and wants constant attention.

Angel on the tree top or a star? We have a star. Missy chose it this year.

Favorite Christmas dinner? I like doing the hot pot thing with a large group of people; we sometimes do it at my MIL's house where there is more space (not to mention easier for Missy's 90+ yr old great grandma to get to). Otherwise I'd be perfectly happy with a rib roast.

I love real trees. The smell of them, the watering...but I don't like the pick-up of the lost needles that seem to be around even in July!

I totally understand the "cling-wrap" of toddlerhood. I have 3 kids under 4, well one is a baby, but now he's crawling to me so I can't get away. One day, though, I know I will miss it (not anytime soon LOL!)

And I don't like how commercialized Christmas has become. It has become something else entirely.

Google Translator

Abonnés fidèles (Smariek Knits Followers)

Subscribe To

Smariek Knits

Blog Housekeeping

*** Free Patterns available on this site are enumerated in the sidebar. You may click on the photo or the text link below the photo to go to the pattern blog page, where you will find either the pattern instructions and/or link(s) to download the pattern in PDF format.

*** I am not a professional pattern writer and do not have test knitters. I make every effort to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the instructions, however human error and typos do happen. I do try to correct errors/typos as soon as I discover them. I am not very good at writing up patterns and am am still learning how to improve on it. Despite this, I still enjoy sharing what I have done to knit something up; it is my way of giving back to the "knitting community" from whom I have learned so much in these past 3 years of knitting.

*** Patterns are for your own personal use and may not be resold, reprinted or distributed without my prior consent. You may not post my patterns elsewhere, however you are welcome to link to or share the link to my patterns.

*** Patterns may use "unorthodox" abbreviations, please read notes section of each pattern before beginning.

*** The most comprehensive listing of Patterns, Pseudo-Patterns, and Pattern Outlines can be found on the Pattern Bibliography page. :-)

*** You are always welcome to email me with questions or comments at smariekknits at gmail dot com or just click on the button below: